At The Packhouse, Farnham, we offer a unique shopping experience with more than 60 small independent traders in a delightful setting.
Each trader has their own style and inspiration, but what you’ll find here is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind pieces across vintage homeware, gifts, jewellery, furniture, soft furnishings and more. Plus it’s all set against the backdrop of an old hop kiln that’s four centuries old and a Grade II-listed structure.
So it’s a one-off shopping experience, which you could combine with popping into our on-site eatery, The Palm House. (Alternatively, just grab a coffee and sit in one of our garden pods and enjoy the benefits of the outside world from under cover.)
What makes us sustainable?
We know that sustainability really matters to our customers, as it does to the population more widely. A report from Nielsen IQ published in Retail Times, for example, found that more than half (55%) of UK consumers say they aim to make sustainable choices wherever possible. Meanwhile, nearly a fifth (18%) claim that sustainability is key to their everyday lives.
There are a number of reasons why coming to The Packhouse is an eco-friendly choice:
1.) Buy vintage and cut out waste
These days, goods are often made and bought at lightning speed. (And frequently tossed away again just as quickly.) But vintage and second-hand items provide a viable alternative that slows down the buying process and is gentle on the planet. Shop this way and you give pieces a second life – or perhaps even a third or fourth one. Otherwise, they could easily end up in landfill.
And when you consider all the steps involved in making something new, from producing the materials to manufacturing and delivery, you can see how much all this adds to the producer’s carbon footprint. Buying vintage cuts out these stages, so ultimately can make a significant difference.
Some modern production also involves potentially toxic chemicals, plus extensive use of water. Again, with vintage purchases you sidestep these issues.
And not only that but you’ll end up with unique pieces which have their own character and tell their own story, helping you to create a style and look that’s uniquely yours. That’s particularly the case if you then decide to repurpose or upcycle the item yourself to make it your own.
2.) Local traders
Our traders are small, independent operators who are for the most part based near us, so by shopping with us you’ll be supporting them. Not only does that guarantee the uniqueness and exclusivity of your purchases, but their carbon footprint is smaller than that of the big chain stores.
Some of our independent traders, for example, also offer high-quality perishable goods such as locally produced honey.
Equally, when you shop with us online our products in our Packhouse Larder include treats like fizzed wine-flavoured boiled sweets or tangy Seville orange marmalade which are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. So as well as being delicious, these are an environmentally friendly choice.
Finally, our team are always happy to chat to people about how their goods have been sourced.
Do your bit to be sustainable
You can do your bit for sustainable shopping, too. For example, while we have ample free parking, we encourage car sharing where possible. Plus we are just a short walk from Runfold, which is served by buses.
Finally, don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping bags with you!
Contact us for further information, or if you have any questions about our store.
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